6.4 billion 'things' will be connected to the Internet by the end of 2016 expanding the Internet of Things with devices from toasters and kettles to cars and hospital equipment according to analyst Gartner. That figure represents a 30 percent rise from 2015 and this is predicted to grow further to reach 20.8 billion by 2020. In 2016 it is expected as many as 5.5 million new things will become connected every day. As a result, the growing Internet of Things will support total services spending of $235bn in 2016, up 22 percent from 2015, the analyst predicts.

Many of these devices will form part where homes are going and Security Media Publishing looks at ‘smart home’ trends for INTERSEC. The ‘smart home’ or ‘digital home’ is in the ascendancy says a recently published report by Barclays bank where they conclude that the average house buyer is willing to pay more for forward leaning smart technology integrated into a new home.

So what is a ‘smart home’? The Barclays report defines it as one, which includes both connected technology such as a smart thermostat that connects to a property’s internet and can be controlled through a remote device, as well as digital infrastructure that is integrated into the home, such as fibre optic broadband and solar panels.

Smart homes are incorporating many smart fire and security devices, including smart carbon monoxide and fire detectors that can alert your phone to something happening where you can use your smart CCTV to look at it and if it is a false alarm you can turn the alarm off, open the window and adjust your lighting, music and air-conditioning so your house just right for your arrival.

Interestingly, the Barclays report has revealed that when it comes to choosing technology to invest in, homeowners are putting practicality first. When choosing where to spend their money, the most common technologies homeowners think they would be likely to purchase in the future are in fact those that support a home’s infrastructure, such as USB connections (36 per cent) or super-fast broadband capability (51 per cent) and devices that save money rather than time, such as smart meters (35 per cent) and solar panels (27 per cent).

Whilst confusion over the range of technology in the market is a barrier for some homeowners, the Barclays Mortgages survey also found over half (61 per cent) of consumers questioned have lingering worries that an internet-connected system might be exploited by hackers to get hold of their personal details, with 58 per cent worrying that an unsecure smart network could reveal when they are away from home to potential burglars.

However, protection is at hand and leading the way in providing a VPN solution for internet connected devices id the Finish Cyber Security Company F-Secure.

“People are starting to buy all kinds of new smart devices to use in their homes and we know that these devices are already being hacked,” said Samu Konttinen, F-Secure’s executive vice president, consumer security.

“We’ve seen footage from nanny cams streamed online without people’s knowledge or consent, and it’s been proven that intruders can use something as simple as a connected light bulb to get access to people’s homes. Criminals are constantly developing new ways of turning people’s technology against them and security solutions need to evolve to meet this challenge.”

We approach protecting people by securing the internet-connected devices in their living space – including IoT devices that are unable to run traditional security apps by securing those devices through our cloud services with our VPN services to secure internet traffic going in and out of homes.

Konttinen added that these security and convenience capabilities would become more valuable as people upgrade their homes to include more smart devices – a trend that’s becoming more common. Gartner projects that people will have over 500 internet-connected devices in their homes by 2022.

Middle East gains ground as major global market for security, safety, and fire protection industries

Dubai, UAE: The global significance of the Middle East’s security and safety market has been underlined by top German and US companies leading a large turnout of international exhibitors at Intersec 2016 next month.

The 18th edition of Intersec, the world’s leading trade show for security, safety, and fire protection, will feature more than 1,200 exhibitors from 54 countries when it opens from 17-19 January 2016 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

With 82 per cent of exhibitors based outside of the UAE, the global gathering at the three-day event is as impressive as ever, reinforced by 14 country pavilions from Canada, China, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Korea, Pakistan, Singapore, Taiwan, UK, USA, and for the first time, France, the Czech Republic, and India.

Much of the attention will fall on leading security and fire-related solutions providers from the USA and Germany, where 145 exhibitors from the two countries will cover 2,550sqm of exhibition space.

A total of 72 German exhibitors – including 58 at the government-backed German Pavilion, and 14 stand-alone exhibitors – will be headed by big names such as CCTV providers Bosch Security Systems and Grundig; access control specialists SimonsVoss; IT security provider G-Data; fire extinguisher manufacturers Doeka and Viking; and Haix, a manufacturer of safety shoes.Grundig Security (ASP AG) will showcase its latest range of 4K Ultra High Definition and full HD TVI (Transport Video Interface) cameras and recorders at Intersec 2016, along with its ultra-low light performance cameras and IP (Internet Protocol) video range.

The video security solutions provider has been involved in a number of Middle East projects, including the installation in 2015 of a CCTV security system at the UAE National Archives. Grundig IP cameras are also providing 24/7 surveillance for the ongoing construction of the 14.6km US$1.25 billion Eurasia Tunnel connecting the European and Asian sides of Istanbul under the Bosphorus Strait.

“TVI and 4K technology, along with Video Management Systems (VMS) are having a big impact in the Middle East and African market, and we anticipate a significant amount of interest in our products at Intersec 2016, where we can stay in contact with our customers, understand their needs, and provide them with ideal solutions.”

Meanwhile, the USA participation at Intersec 2016 has increased by 28 per cent year-on-year, with 73 exhibitors spanning 1,300sqm of exhibition space, indicating the strong interest in the Middle East by major USA commercial security and fire protection industry players.

Greg Scott, General Manager of Code 3, said: “Intersec gives us the opportunity to meet with key decision makers from the Middle East market to discuss their needs, whether current or future. Additionally, our participation gives us one-on-one time to showcase our latest products and discuss their application to fit each agency’s needs.”Elsewhere at the USA Pavilion, the NFPA will increase awareness about its educational and technical programmes dedicated to saving lives and reducing property loss throughout the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

“Our international offices, covering the MENA region, Asia/Pacific, Europe and Latin America, work to advance the use and adoption of NFPA codes and standards throughout their territories,” said Jim Pauley, President and CEO of the NFPA.

“Intersec 2016 provides us the unique opportunity of meeting with stakeholders in both the public sector such as government officials and civil defence groups, as well as the private sector such as designers, installers, facility managers and consultants.”

Intersec is organised by Messe Frankfurt Middle East, and focuses on the six core sections of Commercial Security; Information Security; Fire & Rescue; Safety & Health; Homeland Security & Policing; and for the first time in 2016, Smart Home & Building Automation.

Ahmed Pauwels, CEO or Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “Safety and security, whether at the workplace, home, in cyberspace, or where people gather for leisure and entertainment, is of high priority today, especially with regard to the ever-evolving global security scenario. The latest security products and solutions from leading international players will be on display at Intersec 2016, which can contribute to making the world a safer place for all.”

New features at Intersec 2016 include a Safety Design in Buildings Pavilion at the Fire & Rescue Section, and a Jobs and Careers Pavilion, bringing thousands of safety and security professionals in touch with the right career opportunities.

The annual showpiece event will also feature a dedicated series of industry conferences held in cooperation with the Dubai Police and Dubai Civil Defence; the Occupational Health & Safety Conference will take place on 17-18 January, while the Middle East Fire Conference and the Critical Infrastructure Security Conference will both take place on 18-19 January.

It is my pleasure to welcome you all to DIMDEX 2016, the international maritime naval defence and security exhibition that brings the world to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Now in its fifth edition, DIMDEX has grown year on year under the guidance of our patron, His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar to become comparable in size with the largest shows of its type in the world. The continuous expansion of DIMDEX is a reflection of many things. First is the strong support shown by our patron, His Highness the Emir and the Qatar Armed Forces as organisers, to make DIMDEX an event of gravitas, prestige and international prominence. Second, DIMDEX is an event of outstanding quality, which will proudly be held in Doha - one of the region’s leading business hubs. We are delighted to see the repeated return of major defence industry players to the exhibition and elite leaders from many nations amongst the VIP delegations. Third, DIMDEX is a diverse and multi-faceted event comprising of an exhibition, conference, VIP delegations and the visit of a large number of warships to Doha Commercial Port. This means DIMDEX 2016 will again be the perfect place for key decision-makers, experts, vendors and buyers from all over the world to congregate and discuss the latest naval and maritime security solutions. With international attention once again focused on the security of the MENA region, we are optimistic about increased demand for the assets on display at DIMDEX 2016 as the need for sophisticated naval equipment to control and defend the MENA’s offshore waters grows. DIMDEX 2016 is on course to be the largest edition of the show to date in every respect and combined with a buoyant market, we are set for a historically successful event. We look forward to seeing friends old and new in Doha for DIMDEX 2016